Angola’s President João Lourenço. PHOTO/UGC.
By ENERGY CORRESPONDENT
Angola has made a significant leap forward in its energy sector with the launch of the Soyo non-associated gas plant and the establishment of the new gas consortium (NGC).
The development expected to drive economic growth, industrial diversification, and enhanced energy security nationwide was announced in a statement by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC).
The launch of the NGC Gas Treatment Plant in Soyo marks a pivotal moment for Angola’s energy sector, as it becomes the country’s first-ever dedicated non-associated gas project.
This milestone is a decisive step towards diversifying Angola’s historically oil-dependent economy, positioning the nation as a competitive player in Africa’s evolving natural gas market.
“The launch of Angola’s first non-associated gas project signals a defining moment for the country’s energy future,” said Ayuk. “It demonstrates the power of strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and investor confidence”.
Ayuk added that the development would create new opportunities, drive industrial growth, and establish Angola as a force to be reckoned with in the global gas sector.
Commissioned in November 2025, the new onshore facility processes 400 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, as well as 20,000 barrels of condensate.
Sourced from the offshore Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields, the plant represents a major shift in Angola’s energy strategy, tapping into non-associated gas—gas resources that exist independently of oil production.
This marks a move away from the country’s historical reliance on oil and opens new pathways for a more diverse and resilient energy economy.
The AEC, which advocates for the development of Africa’s energy resources, has lauded this achievement as a transformative step not just for Angola, but for the continent as a whole.
By tapping into non-associated gas, Angola is reducing its dependency on oil, creating thousands of jobs, building local skills, and establishing a more sustainable and reliable energy infrastructure.
The NGC project has already provided significant economic benefits, employing over 4,500 Angolans at the height of construction and commissioning, with an additional 1,200 workers involved in fabrication and infrastructure development.
This job creation highlights the direct, tangible benefits that large-scale energy projects can bring to local communities.
Gas produced at the Soyo plant feeds into Angola’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility, supporting both export activities and domestic power generation. The facility is also expected to power future industrial initiatives, including fertilizer production, vital for Angola’s agricultural sector.
Operating under a $4 billion investment, the project is a joint venture between Azule Energy; a 50:50 partnership between BP and Eni, along with Cabinda Gulf Oil Company, Sonangol E&P, and TotalEnergies.
The plant reached full operational capacity six months ahead of schedule, a testament to the project’s efficiency, robust project management, and Angola’s increasing ability to deliver complex energy infrastructure projects.
The NGC project enhances Angola’s standing in the international natural gas market. Unlike associated gas, which is produced alongside oil, non-associated gas offers distinct advantages, such as long-term supply stability and economic resilience.
It also plays a critical role in the global transition to cleaner energy, as natural gas is a more environmentally friendly option compared to coal or diesel.
The momentum in Angola’s gas sector continues with the successful exploration of the Gajajeira-01 well in offshore Block 1/14. Discovered in July 2025, this gas find holds potential reserves of over 1 trillion cubic feet of gas and up to 100 million barrels of condensate.
This discovery affirms the vast untapped potential of Angola’s Lower Congo Basin and highlights the importance of the country’s non-associated gas strategy.
Angola’s President João Lourenço, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasising the benefits of non-associated gas development: “Non-associated gas is crucial for Angola’s energy future. It offers additional production that is less polluting and highly competitive on the international market. This marks the beginning of a new era for Angola and its people, promising long-term benefits for the national economy.”
Echoing the President’s optimism, Diamantino Azevedo, Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, highlighted the importance of the project.
“This is the first dedicated non-associated natural gas treatment project in Angola, and it underscores the success of the modern, competitive legal and fiscal frameworks we have established for gas development in the country,” Azevedo said.
The African Energy Chamber sees the Soyo gas plant as a benchmark for the rest of Africa in developing energy resources efficiently and sustainably. Ayuk concluded, “The Soyo plant shows that Africa can take control of its energy future. This project is an example of how the continent can responsibly manage its resources, ensuring energy security and paving the way for sustainable industrial growth.”
The development of Angola’s gas sector, led by key players such as Azule Energy and its partners, represents a major leap in both regional and global energy markets.
By tapping into its natural gas potential, Angola is not only securing its own energy future but also contributing to the wider goals of economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development across Africa.
